Rotary nets money for projects

PAUL GRAHAM

Published
6:00 pm CST, Monday, January 25, 2010

Photo: PAUL GRAHAM

Photo: PAUL GRAHAM

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Rotary nets money for projects

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While the sun was still shining bright on Friday, January 22, Mike McCarty, who had already been busy frying breaded oysters for awhile, looked around at the beautiful weather and remarked, “I’m curious how the turnout will be on a nice day like this.”

With a total of 800 pounds of locally-raised catfish filets, 80 gallons of oysters (with access to 100 more), 450 pounds of french fries, and 500 pounds of yellow and white cornmeal with flour and special seasoning, the Liberty Rotary Club was indeed fully prepared as hundreds of community members came out to enjoy the once-a-year Liberty Rotary Oyster & Fish Fry Supper.

South Liberty Seafood, which has been supplying the oysters for this event for the last 30 years, had caught all the oysters 3-4 days earlier just outside of Baytown in Trinity Bay.

After unloading numerous gallons of oysters, Captain Charles Weaver of South Liberty Seafood, stated, “It took about two days to obtain 80 gallons of oysters.”

He further explained that over the last five years, the oyster business has severely slowed down, but that prices have remained constant around $7 per pound in comparison to the “oyster crisis” three years ago when oysters were selling for more than $60 per pound.

The Liberty Rotary Oyster/Fish Fry Supper began in 1954 as a fundraiser during the most opportune time to harvest oysters.

Later as the event caught on, fried catfish also became available for those that didn’t like oysters.

Raw oysters used to be available up until about 15 years ago, but it was decided to discontinue having them available because of the small risk of contracting hepatitis.

Some people don’t eat oysters out of fear of this small risk, but as Mike McCarty assured, “All you need to do is cook them to avoid any problem.”

A makeshift drive-through was set up outside Liberty City Hall and a team of Rotarians prepared meals to hand into cars that continuously lined the street during the entire event.

Hundreds more joined the festivities inside, where everyone joined in conversations while enjoying freshly cooked catfish and oysters and listening to the soothing sounds from Charlie Grabein Trio & Friends.

Debbie Skarpa, one of the many community members enjoying the event, said, “The food is delicious, and lots of it!”

It is expected that the Liberty Rotary Club will raise close to $3000-$4000, and this will go into the general fund that may be used for scholarships or hospital equipment.

Dave Chessher, a local community member, said, “This is a good event. My daughter received a scholarship from the Liberty Rotary Club several years ago, so we always like to come every year to give our support and enjoy great food.”

After finishing all her catfish and oysters, Shannon Reeves said, “I’ve been coming to this event since I’ve been a kid. I look forward to it every January.”